Penalties for hashish are the same as for marijuana. Please see the marijuana penalties section for further details.

Paraphernalia

Manufacture, sale, delivery, or possession with intent to sell or deliver.

Not Classified

2 years

$5,000

Delivery to a person under 18 years.

Not Classified

5 years

$5,000

Oregon Medical Marijuana Facts OMMP – Marijuana Facts and Statistics

Oregon’s medical marijuana law was established in 1998 when 54.6% of Oregonians voted to pass Ballot Measure 67. Since then, Oregon’s latest official medical marijuana facts show that the program has issued an Oregon medical marijuana card to 55,322 patients, or roughly 1.5% of the state’s population. Because Oregon’s medical marijuana program does not authorize dispensaries, patients have to grow their own marijuana authorize designated caregivers or growers to help them.

OMMP – OREGON MEDICAL MARIJUANA FACTS 2011

More than half of Oregon marijuana patients have designated caregivers who hold marijuana cards for them. There are 28,411 such caregivers according to the cannabis statistics of the Oregon Department of Human Services.

There are 1,993 Oregon-licensed doctors with current medical marijuana patients, and more than twice as many, 4110, have signed marijuana recommendations over the program’s lifetime.

Continued growth is expected in Oregon’s use of medical marijuana, facts indicate that there were 21,722 new applications for marijuana cards in the past year alone (October 2010 – October 2011)

In the same period of time, there were 30,416 applications for renewal and just 2,362 denials.

Oregon’s medical marijuana statistics also show the program’s efficiency, as only 2,915 applications were pending as of October 2011.

Patients in Oregon have sought treatment for all of the conditions authorized in the state’s medical marijuana law. 50,696 patients, or 90% of the total, report using medical marijuana for severe pain. Muscle spasms are the second most reported illness at 13,949 patients, while Nausea comes in third with 7,532 patients. The marijuana data overlaps here because many individuals suffer from multiple conditions.

OMMP – OREGON MARIJUANA STATISTICS AND FACTS: MARIJUANA CONDITIONS

Agitation related to Alzheimer’s disease

<50

Cachexia

1,106

Cancer

1,862

Glaucoma

747

HIV+/AIDS

686

Nausea

7,532

Severe Pain

50,696

Seizures, including but not limited to epilepsy

1,304

Persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those caused by multiple sclerosis

13,949

OMMP – OREGON MARIJUANA STATISTICS AND FACTS: PATIENTS BY COUNTY

Baker, Oregon

204

Benton, Oregon

745

Clackamas, Oregon

4,108

Clatsop, Oregon

573

Columbia, Oregon

964

Coos, Oregon

1,762

Crook, Oregon

292

Curry, Oregon

774

Deschutes, Oregon

2,709

Douglas, Oregon

2,403

Grant, Oregon

105

Harney, Oregon

77

Hood River, Oregon

334

Jackson, Oregon

7,467

Jefferson, Oregon

247

Josephine, Oregon

4,523

Klamath, Oregon

1,109

Lake, Oregon

130

Lane, Oregon

6,027

Lincoln, Oregon

889

Linn, Oregon

1,476

Malheur, Oregon

335

Marion, Oregon

2,695

Morrow, Oregon

72

Multnomah, Oregon

9,644

Polk, Oregon

722

Tillamook, Oregon

468

Umatilla, Oregon

534

Union, Oregon

302

Wallowa, Oregon

97

Wasco, Oregon

485

Washington, Oregon

4,116

Yamhill, Oregon

983

Gilliam, Sherman, and Wheeler Counties (combined)

83

Oregon Medical Marijuana Card

**OMMP CUSTOMER SERVICE WINDOW CLOSING**

Contact Us

Oregon Medical Marijuana Program

TO: All Oregon Medical Marijuana Program Participants:

Starting March 5, 2012, the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) will be closing its customer service window at the Portland State Office Building (PSOB). As of this date, OMMP applicants and cardholders will no longer be able to submit payments or paperwork in person to the OMMP. The OMMP is aware that many cardholders have become accustomed to submitting their paperwork in person and receiving a receipt for their payments at the customer service window. It is important to understand that a receipt issued at the OMMP customer service window affords a person no additional legal protection than a certified mail receipt from the post office or any other proof of transmission of an application to the OMMP.

*Per ORS 475.309 (9), a person who has applied for a registry identification card but whose application has not yet been approved or denied, and who is contacted by any law enforcement officer in connection with the person’s administration, possession, delivery or production of marijuana for medical use may provide to the law enforcement officer a copy of the written documentation submitted to the authority and proof of the date of mailing or other transmission of the documentation to the authority. This documentation shall have the same legal effect as a registry identification card until such time as the person receives notification that the application has been approved or denied.

We understand this represents a change for some OMMP cardholders. Though the OMMP will not have a customer service window to accept applications or issue receipts, we will have a secure drop box on the first floor of the PSOB for individuals who wish to come to the building and drop off their applications in a sealed envelope rather than place them in the mail. Also, OMMP card holders can still submit paperwork and payments by mail to OHA/OMMP, PO Box 14450 , Portland, OR 97232.

The OMMP is working on developing an online application process in order so that patients may submit their applications electronically and make payments by using a credit or debit card. Our target date for completion of this web-based application is by the end of 2012.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the OMMP at 971-673-1234.

**OMMP CUSTOMER SERVICE WINDOW CLOSING**

TO: All Oregon Medical Marijuana Program Participants:

Starting March 5, 2012, the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) will be closing its customer service window at the Portland State Office Building (PSOB). As of this date, OMMP applicants and cardholders will no longer be able to submit payments or paperwork in person to the OMMP. The OMMP is aware that many cardholders have become accustomed to submitting their paperwork in person and receiving a receipt for their payments at the customer service window. It is important to understand that a receipt issued at the OMMP customer service window affords a person no additional legal protection than a certified mail receipt from the post office or any other proof of transmission of an application to the OMMP.

Per ORS 475.309 (9), a person who has applied for a registry identification card but whose application has not yet been approved or denied, and who is contacted by any law enforcement officer in connection with the person’s administration, possession, delivery or production of marijuana for medical use may provide to the law enforcement officer a copy of the written documentation submitted to the authority and proof of the date of mailing or other transmission of the documentation to the authority. This documentation shall have the same legal effect as a registry identification card until such time as the person receives notification that the application has been approved or denied.

We understand this represents a change for some OMMP cardholders. Though the OMMP will not have a customer service window to accept applications or issue receipts, we will have a secure drop box on the first floor of the PSOB for individuals who wish to come to the building and drop off their applications in a sealed envelope rather than place them in the mail. Also, OMMP card holders can still submit paperwork and payments by mail to OHA/OMMP, PO Box 14450 , Portland, OR 97232.

The OMMP is working on developing an online application process in order so that patients may submit their applications electronically and make payments by using a credit or debit card. Our target date for completion of this web-based application is by the end of 2012.

**NOTICE OF OMMP FEE CHANGES**

Oregon Medical Marijuana Program – the following fees will go into effect on October 1, 2011:

Fee for replacement registry cards: $100 ($20 for those patients who qualify for the $20 reduced application fee)

Grow site registration fee on applications where the patient is not his or her own grower: $50
New fees apply to new applications and replacement card requests post-marked on or after 10/1/2011 and to renewal applications for cards that expire on or after 10/1/2011.

OREGON MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD

In order to receive full legal protections of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act (OMMA), qualified medical marijuana patients must register with the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP). The application fee is $200; however the fee is reduced to $100 for patients on the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or monthly Food Stamp benefits, or $20 for those receiving monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

HOW TO OBTAIN A MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD IN OREGON

Obtain a signed Physician’s Statement froma Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) currently licensed to practice medicine in Oregon under Oregon Revised Statute Chapter 677. You can find a qualified medical marijuana doctor in Oregon here.

Complete and sign an OMMP Application Form.

Pay an application fee via check or money order in the amount of $200 payable to “OMMP” or “DHS/State of Oregon.” The fee is reduced to $100 for patients on the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or monthly Food Stamp benefits, or $20 for those receiving monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

You must provide a clear, legible, and valid copy of a U.S. State or Federal issued photographic identification card that includes last name, first name, and date of birth. If the information or expiration date is not on the front of the ID, copy the back of the card showing that it is current.

If you are under age 18, your parent or guardian must complete the OMMP – Declaration of Person Responsible for a Minorform and complete Part B of the Application Form as a primary caregiver. This form must be notarized.

OMMP – Declaration of Person Responsible for A Minor to Participate in the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program

Oregon NORML Medical Marijuana Act Handbook

Oregon Medical Marijuana

Oregon Medical Marijuana Laws

FULL TEXT OF OREGON’S MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAW

Oregon Medical Marijuana Act
475.300 Findings. The people of the state of Oregon hereby find that:

(1) Patients and .doctors have found marijuana to be an effective treatment for suffering caused by debilitating medical conditions.; and therefore, marijuana should be treated like other medicines;

(2) Oregonians suffering from debilitating medical conditions should be allowed to use small amounts of marijuana without fear of civil or criminal penalties when their doctors advise that such use may provide a medical benefit to them and when other reasonable restrictions are met regarding that use;

(3) ORB 475.300 to 475.346 are intended to allow Oregonians with debilitating medical conditions who may benefit from the medical use of marijuana to be able to discuss freely with their doctors the possible risks and benefits of medical marijuana use and to have the benefit of their doctor’s professional advice; and

(4) ORB 475.300 to 475.346 are intended to make only those changes to msting Oregon laws that are necessary to protect patients and their doctors from criminal and civil penalties, and are not intended to change current civil and criminal laws governing the use of marijuana for nonmedical purposes.

475.362 Definitions for ORB 475.300 to 475.M6. As used in ORS 475.300 to 475.346:
As used in ORs 475.300 to 475.346:

(1) “Attending physician” means a physician licensed under ORS chapter 677 who has primary responsibility for the care and treatment of a person diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition.

(b) A medical condition or treatment for a medical condition that produces for a specific patient, one or more of the following:

(A) Cachexia;
(B) Severe pain;
(C) Severe nausea;
(D) Seizures, including but not limited to seizures caused by epilepsy; or
(E) Persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to spasms caused by multiple sclerosis; or

(c) Any other medical condition or treatment for a medical condition adopted by the department by rule or approved by the department pursuant to a petition submitted pursuant to ORB 475.334.

(3) “Delivery” has the· meaning given that term in ORB 475.005.· “Delivery” does not include transfer of marijuana by a registry identification cardholder to another registry identification cardholder if no consideration is paid for the transfer.

(4) ”Department” means the Department of Human Services.

(5) ”Designated primary caregiver” means an individual 18 years’ of age or older who has significant responsibility for managing the well-being of a person who has been diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition and who is designated as such on that person’s application for a registry identification card or in other written notification to the department. “Designated primary caregiver” does not include the person’s attending physician.

(6) “Marijuana” has the meaning given that term in ORB 475.005.

(7) “Marijuana grow site” means a location where marijuana is produced for use by registry identification cardholder and that is registered under the provisions of ORB 475.304.

(8) “Medical use of marijuana” means the production, possession, delivery, or administration of marijuana, or paraphernalia used to administer marijuana, as necessary for the exclusive benefit of a person to mitigate the symptoms or effects of the person’s debilitating medical condition.

(9) “Production” has the meaning given that term in ORB 475.005.

(10) “Registry identification card” means a document issued by the department that identifies a person authorized to engage in the medical use of marijuana and the person’s designated primary caregiver, if any.

(11) “Usable marijuana” means the dried leaves and flowers of the plant Cannabis family Moraceae, and any mixture or preparation thereof, that are appropriate for medical use as allowed in ORB 475.300 to 475.346. “Usable marijuana” does not include the seeds, stalks and roots of the plant.

(12) ”Written documentation” means a statement signed by the attending physician of a person diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition or copies of the person’s relevant medical records.
Read the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act in its entirety here.

Oregon Medical Marijuana Qualification

Who Qualifies for Medicinal Marijuana in Oregon

On November 3, 1998, 55% of Oregon voters approved Measure 67, which established the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act and removed state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of medical marijuana (also referred to as medical weed, medical pot or medical cannabis) by patients who obtain a recommendation from an Oregon lisenced doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO) stating that “marijuana may mitigate the symptoms or effects of the person’s debilitating medical condition.” Under Oregon state law, patients (or their primary caregivers) may legally possess up to six mature cannabis plants, 18 immature seedlings, and 24 ounces of usable cannabis. Qualifying patients must register as a medical marijuana patient with the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, which is administered by the Oregon Department of Health Services (DHS).
Read the full text of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act here.

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN OREGON

You must be a US citizen. You do not have to be an Oregon resident. Oregon allows patients from all states to qualify for medical marijuana.

Obtain a copy of your medical records indicating diagnosis of a qualifying condition, as listed below. Learn how to request your medical records and remember to bring these records with you to your marijuana evaluation appointment.

Obtain written certificationfrom a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO), licensed in the state of Oregon that that you are a qualifying patient. You can find a qualified medical marijuana physician in Oregon here.

Register with and receive a registry identification card (aka medical marijuana card) from the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program. Currently, residents of any state are permitted to register with the OMMP.

WHAT AILMENTS CAN BE TREATED WITH MEDICAL CANNABIS?

Patients in Oregon diagnosed with the following illnesses are afforded legal protection under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act:

Cancer, Glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, or treatment for these conditions;

A medical condition or treatment for a medical condition that produces, for a specific patient, one or more of the following:

Cachexia;

Severe pain;

Severe nausea;

Seizures, including but not limited to seizures caused by epilepsy;

Persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to spasms caused by multiple sclerosis; or

agitation due to Alzheimer’s disease

MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACCESS

Some medical marijuana patients will claim they have a doctor’s prescription for medical marijuana, but marijuana prescriptions are in fact illegal. The federal government classifies marijuana as a schedule I drug. Therefore doctors are unable to prescribe marijuana to their patients, and medical marijuana patients cannot go to a pharmacy to fill a prescription for medical marijuana. Instead, medical marijuana physicians will supply patients with a medical marijuana recommendation in compliance with state law.

According to Oregon medical marijuana law, patients or their primary caregivers may grow medical marijuana for the patient’s private use (as long as they provide the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program with the address of the grow site) and may possess legally possess up to 24 ounces of usable marijuana, six mature marijuana plants, and 18 seedlings. The Oregon Medical Marijuana Act does not make any provisions for a supply or source from which to purchase medical cannabis.

Oregon Medical Marijuana

The State of Oregon has a legalized medical marijuana program, which allows legal medical marijuana patients to receive a marijuana recommendation from a certified physician, apply for a State-issued Oregon Medical Marijuana ID Card, and grow and/or purchase marijuana for medicinal use per state guidelines. We have compiled the following index of medical marijuana information in Oregon to serve as a legal library to our users for legal reference of Oregon’s laws and guidelines regarding Medical Cannabis.

Please note that in order to become a legal medical marijuana patient you must first have a qualifying condition as outlined by the department of health services and/or department of justice. For a comprehensive list of Oregon’s medical marijuana qualifying conditions you can visit our qualifying conditions section located on the top of our menu under “legal states”.

Since the Oregon medical marijuana program is still changing their laws and new Oregon medical marijuana laws are being enacted on a monthly basis, please be sure to visit our site frequently to get the most updated laws as it pertains to the Oregon medical marijuana program.
Please click a corresponding link to find out more about your Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Program.

OREGON QUALIFICATION

Find out Who Qualifies for Marijuana in Oregon in our definitive guide of Oregon’s qualification guidelines. Read up on medical conditions that are covered under Oregon’s medical marijuana program, age restrictions, criminal conviction restrictions, and more.

OREGON MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAWS

Read Oregon’s Full Medical Marijuana Laws to gain full specific knowledge of Oregon’s exact legal guidelines without interpretation. We suggest that you print Oregon’s Full Medicinal Marijuana Laws for use with our MyDoc program in order to provide your physician full insight into Oregon’s laws for his knowledge.

OREGON MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD

Find out how to obtain a{n} Oregon Medical Marijuana Card with our guide to Oregon’s state medicinal marijuana ID program. Some states require that you obtain your card prior to obtaining your medicine, so read here first to ensure that you know Oregon’s requirements.

Rhode Island MedicalMarijuana Facts

Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Statistics and Marijuana Facts

The facts about Rhode Island medical marijuana showcase a continuous battle between the state’s congress and its governor. The legislature first passed a medical cannabis law in June of 2005 with an overwhelming majority in favor. However, the governor at the time, Donald Carcieri, immediately vetoed the bill. He was then overridden by the legislature on January 3rd of 2006 to make the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act into law. The Department of Health began issuing Rhode Island medical marijuana cards to patients in May of 2006. In 2009, the legislature passed a bill to authorize the creation of three officially designated dispensaries in the state. Again the governor vetoed the measure and was later overridden. Despite the law’s passage, Governor Lincoln Chafee put an indefinite hold on the licenses issued to these three dispensaries in 2011; thus there are still none operating in the state.

RHODE ISLAND MEDICAL MARIJUANA FACTS 2011:

The most recent marijuana data shows that there were 3069 registered marijuana patients in the state as of the end of 2010. Only one patient and four caregivers have had their licenses revoked.

The program’s operation costs totaled out to $150,000 while $171,410 in revenue was collected during fiscal year 2010.

Rhode Island’s medical marijuana statistics show that there are 4 patients under the age of 18 and 1948 registered caregivers. Also, 589 patients have 2 caregivers, while only 239 caregivers have 2 patients. Just 3 caregivers have the maximum of 5 patients allowed by law.

A total of 440 doctors have signed medical marijuana recommendations for Rhode Island patients.

Interesting cannabis fact: Rhode Island is one of the few states to accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards as fully valid.

RHODE ISLAND MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD

In order to receive full legal protections of the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act, qualified patients must register the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program to receive a registry identification card. The application fee is $75, however the fee is reduced to $10 for patients receiving Medicaid, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

HOW TO OBTAIN A MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM I.D. CARD

Proof of Rhode Island residency is required. The following are acceptable documents: copy of a RI Driver’s License, RI State ID or a copy of a lease/rental agreement [NOTE: your name must appear on the document you submit as proof of residency].

Acquire an Attending Practitioner Statement signed by a physician licensed to practice in the State of Rhode Island. This can be found within the application form below.

Complete and sign a Registration for Medical Marijuana Program – New Application.

If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the fee is reduced to $10 and you MUST submit satisfactory evidence along with your application of being a recipient.

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Sections 21-28.6-3, 21-28.6-4, 21-28.6-6 and 21-28.6-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 21-28.6 entitled “The Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act” are hereby amended to read as follows:

21-28.6-3. Definitions. — For the purposes of this chapter:

(1) “Cardholder” means a qualifying patient, a primary caregiver, or a principal officer, board member, employee, volunteer, or agent of a compassion center who has been issued and possesses a valid registry identification card.

(2) “Compassion center” means a not-for-profit entity registered under section 21-28.6-10 that acquires, possesses, cultivates, manufactures, delivers, transfers, transports, supplies or dispenses marijuana, or related supplies and educational materials to registered qualifying patients and their registered primary caregivers who have designated it as one of their primary caregivers.

(3) “Debilitating medical condition” means:
(i) Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, Hepatitis C, or the treatment of these conditions;
(ii) A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following: cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe, debilitating, chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to, those characteristic of epilepsy; or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to, those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease; or agitation of Alzheimer’s Disease; or
(iii) Any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the department, as provided for in section 21-28.6-5.

(4) “Department” means the Rhode Island department of health or its successor agency.

(5) “Marijuana” has the meaning given that term in section 21-28-1.02(26).

(6) “Mature marijuana plant” means a marijuana plant which has flowers or buds that are readily observable by an unaided visual examination.

(7) “Medical use” means the acquisition, possession, cultivation, manufacture, use, delivery, transfer, or transportation of marijuana or paraphernalia relating to the consumption of marijuana to alleviate a registered qualifying patient’s debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with the medical condition.

(8) “Practitioner” means a person who is licensed with authority to prescribe drugs pursuant to chapter 37 of title 5 or a physician licensed with authority to prescribe drugs in Massachusetts or Connecticut.

(9) “Primary caregiver” means either a natural person who is at least twenty-one (21) years old or a compassion center. Unless the primary caregiver is a compassion center, a natural primary caregiver may assist no more than five (5) qualifying patients with their medical use of marijuana.

(10) “Qualifying patient” means a person who has been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition and is a resident of Rhode Island.

(11) “Registry identification card” means a document issued by the department that identifies a person as a registered qualifying patient, or a registered primary caregiver, or a registered principal officer, board member volunteer, or agent of a compassion center.

(13) “Usable marijuana” means the dried leaves and flowers of the marijuana plant, and any mixture or preparation thereof, but does not include the seeds, stalks, and roots of the plant.

(14) “Written certification” means the qualifying patient’s medical records, and a statement signed by a practitioner, stating that in the practitioner’s professional opinion the potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for the qualifying patient. A written certification shall be made only in the course of a bona fide practitioner-patient relationship after the practitioner has completed a full assessment of the qualifying patient’s medical history. The written certification shall specify the qualifying patient’s debilitating medical condition or conditions.

21-28.6-4. Protections for the medical use of marijuana.
(a) A qualifying patient who has in his or her possession a registry identification card shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to, civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau, for the medical use of marijuana; provided, that the qualifying patient possesses an amount of marijuana that does not exceed twelve (12) mature marijuana plants and two and one-half (2.5) ounces of usable marijuana. Said plants shall be stored in an indoor facility.

(b) No school, employer or landlord may refuse to enroll, employ or lease to or otherwise penalize a person solely for his or her status as a registered qualifying patient or a registered primary caregiver.

(c) A primary caregiver, who has in his or her possession, a registry identification card shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to, civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau, for assisting a qualifying patient to whom he or she is connected through the department’s registration process with the medical use of marijuana; provided, that the primary caregiver possesses an amount of marijuana which does not exceed twelve (12) mature marijuana plants and two and one-half (2.5) ounces of usable marijuana for each qualifying patient to whom he or she is connected through the department’s registration process.

(d) Registered primary caregivers and registered qualifying patients shall be allowed to possess a reasonable amount of unusable marijuana, including up to twelve (12) seedlings, which shall not be counted toward the limits in this section.

(e) There shall exist a presumption that a qualifying patient or primary caregiver is engaged in the medical use of marijuana if the qualifying patient or primary caregiver:
(1) Is in possession of a registry identification card; and
(2) Is in possession of an amount of marijuana that does not exceed the amount permitted under this chapter. Such presumption may be rebutted by evidence that conduct related to marijuana was not for the purpose of alleviating the qualifying patient’s debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with the medical condition.

(f) A primary caregiver may receive reimbursement for costs associated with assisting a registered qualifying patient’s medical use of marijuana. Compensation shall not constitute sale of controlled substances.

(g) A practitioner shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, civil penalty or disciplinary action by the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline or by any another business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau solely for providing written certifications or for otherwise stating that, in the practitioner’s professional opinion, the potential benefits of the medical marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for a patient.

(h) Any interest in or right to property that is possessed, owned, or used in connection with the medical use of marijuana, or acts incidental to such use, shall not be forfeited.

(i) No person shall be subject to arrest or prosecution for constructive possession, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, being an accessory, or any other offense for simply being in the presence or vicinity of the medical use of marijuana as permitted under this chapter or for assisting a registered qualifying patient with using or administering marijuana.

(j) A practitioner nurse or pharmacist shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau solely for discussing the benefits or health risks of medical marijuana or its interaction with other substances with a patient.

(k) A registry identification card, or its equivalent, issued under the laws of another state, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia to permit the medical use of marijuana by a qualifying patient, or to permit a person to assist with a qualifying patient’s medical use of marijuana, shall have the same force and effect as a registry identification card issued by the department.

(l) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 21-28.6-3(6) or subsection 21-28.6- 4(c), no primary caregiver other than a compassion center shall possess an amount of marijuana in excess of twenty-four (24) marijuana plants and five (5) ounces of usable marijuana for qualifying patients to whom he or she is connected through the department’s registration process.

(m) A registered qualifying patient or registered primary caregiver may give marijuana to another registered qualifying patient or registered primary caregiver to whom they are not connected by the department’s registration process, provided that no consideration is paid for the marijuana, and that the recipient does not exceed the limits specified in section 21-28.6-4.

(n) For the purposes of medical care, including organ transplants, a registered qualifying patient’s authorized use of marijuana shall be considered the equivalent of the authorized use of any other medication used at the direction of a physician, and shall not constitute the use of an illicit substance.

Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Qualification

Who Qualifies for Medicinal Marijuana in Rhode Island

On January 3, 2006, the state of Rhode Island passed the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act, which removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of medical marijuana (also referred to as medical weed, medical pot or medical cannabis) by patients who possess “written certification” from their physician stating, “In the practitioner’s professional opinion, the potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for the qualifying patient.” Qualifying patients must register with and receive an identification card, also referred to as a medical marijuana card or cannabis card, from the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program. ??Read the full text of the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act here.

HOW TO BECOME A MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENT IN RHODE ISLAND

Must be a resident of Rhode Island with a valid Rhode Island I.D. as proof of residency. If you do not have a Rhode Island I.D. an out of state I.D., passport, or other photo I.D. with proof of residency such as bank statement, utility bill, etc. is acceptable.

Obtain a copy of your medical records indicating diagnosis of a qualifying condition, as listed below. Learn how to request your medical records and remember to bring these records with you to your marijuana evaluation appointment.

Obtain written certificationfrom a physician licensed in the state of Rhode Island that that you are a qualifying patient.You can find a qualified medical marijuana doctor in Rhode Island here.

Register with the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program to receive a registry identification card aka medical marijuana card by sending your application form and application fee to the address listed below. Patients can download an application here.

WHAT AILMENTS CAN BE TREATED WITH MEDICAL CANNABIS?

Patients in Rhode Island diagnosed with the following illnesses are afforded legal protection under the Medical Marijuana Act:

Cancer

Glaucoma

HIV/AIDS

Hepatitis C

A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following:

Cachexia or wasting syndrome;

Severe, debilitating, chronic pain;

Severe nausea;

Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy; or

Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease; or

agitation of Alzheimer’s Disease

Other conditions are subject to approval by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACCESS

Some medical marijuana patients will claim they have a doctor’s prescription for medical marijuana, but marijuana prescriptions are in fact illegal. The federal government classifies marijuana as a schedule I drug. Therefore doctors are unable to prescribe marijuana to their patients, and medical marijuana patients cannot go to a pharmacy to fill a prescription for medical marijuana. Instead, medical marijuana physicians will supply patients with a medical marijuana recommendation in compliance with state law.

According to Rhode Island medical marijuana law, patients and their caregivers may grow medical marijuana for the patient’s private use and may possess up to 2.5 usable ounces and 12 plants. Rhode Island’s medical marijuana laws do not include provisions for the selling or distributing of medical cannabis.